Prescription Drug Addiction – Rehab Options in the UK

Prescription medications are different from illicit drugs in that they have legitimate medical purposes. Yet this clear benefit of prescription drugs is also its biggest trap. The fact that the drugs are prescribed for real medical problems does not make them any less addictive than their illicit counterparts. And unfortunately, prescription drug addiction is every bit as real as addictions to alcohol and illegal drugs.

Are you concerned someone you care about is suffering from prescription drug addiction? Are you worried you might have a problem with prescription drugs? If so, UKAT is here to help. Our range of services includes full support and treatment for prescription drug abusers and their families. We have the ability and resources to help you overcome and go on to live a life free of prescription drug problems.

Basics of Prescription Drug Addiction

People often make the mistake of assuming that prescription drugs are less addictive than illegal drugs or alcohol. This may be true with more benign drugs such as antivirals and antibiotics, but it is not true for prescription medications that have psychoactive effects. The reality is that any psychoactive substance, regardless of how it is obtained or used, has the potential to become addictive.

In the UK, the most commonly abused prescription medications include those in the following categories:

Painkillers

Sleeping pills

Weight loss pills

Anti-depression medication

Anti-anxiety medication

ADHD medication.

Some prescription drug addicts start with legitimate prescriptions given to them by their doctors. A patient needing pain medication after surgery is a good example. When patients take their medications in ways that go beyond their doctors’ instructions, tolerance and eventual addiction can be the result.

Others become addicted to prescription drugs without ever legally obtaining a prescription. They either buy the drugs on the street, purchase them online, or steal them. Unfortunately, the black market for prescription medications is now growing at an alarming rate. People use them because they are cheap and easy to get.

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is not necessarily harder to treat than other kinds of addictions. What makes it more difficult is the task of recognising that it exists. For example, consider the alcoholic as opposed to a patient who is dependent on prescription painkillers.

The alcoholic demonstrates signs and symptoms that are significantly more visible. Alcoholics tend to talk a lot about drinking; they leave empty bottles lying around, hide alcohol around the home, and generally exhibit an inexplicable preoccupation with drinking. Things are different with the user of prescription painkillers.

Prescription drug addicts tend to be a lot better at hiding their behaviours. Some may even be able to cover up what they are doing based on a previous medical need that was legitimate. Having said that, there are definitive signs that go along with prescription drug addiction. These are:

A tendency to visit doctors frequently

A tendency to shop online for prescription drugs

Regular complaints about medical conditions that would justify drug use

A gradual drop-off in school or work performance

And increasing disinterest in personal appearance

A tendency toward defensiveness when talking about prescription medications.

Certain prescription drugs also have physical side effects that are noticeable if you know what to look for. For example, a prescription sedative addiction will manifest itself in confusion, poor judgement and decision-making, memory problems, drowsiness, unsteady movements, and rapid eye movement.

Some additional physical symptoms are more general in nature. These tend to occur with the majority of prescription medications:

Noticeable mood swings based on the availability of drug supplies

Increasing irritability and anxiousness – also based on drug availability

Interrupted sleep patterns – can include long-term insomnia

Increased alcohol consumption between episodes of drug use.

If you are a regular user of prescription medications and you notice any of these signs, there is a good chance you are either addicted or well on your way to being so. Likewise, if you notice the signs in the life of someone you care about, they are sufficient motivation to contact us for more information and advice.

Dangers of Prescription Drug Addiction

The dangers that go along with prescription drug addiction are very similar to other addictions. First and foremost, addictive prescription medications have adverse effects on the physical body that directly correlate with the kind of drug being used. The damage can reach everything from the heart to the liver to the brain itself. You should be aware that some of the damage could be permanent if drug use continues for an extended amount of time.

Psychoactive prescription drugs can also harm the mind. Because of the way the drugs interact with the brain, certain chemical changes occur with every use. Those changes can lead to depression, anxiety, and a whole range of psychoses including paranoia and schizophrenia.

A hidden danger inherent to prescription drugs is the misplaced belief that they are completely safe because doctors prescribe them. What must be understood is that these drugs are classified as prescription only specifically because they are addictive and/or dangerous. The very fact that they are only obtainable through prescription should tell you something. Do not believe the myth that they are less harmful or less powerful.

Prescription Drug Treatment

Treatment for prescription drug addiction follows the same general course as treatment for other addictions. It starts with a 7-to-10-day detox period that enables the body to cleanse itself from the toxins within. That is followed by 3 to 12 weeks of psychotherapeutic treatments that help patients get to the root causes of addictive behaviour. Finally, aftercare services are offered on a follow-up basis to prevent future relapse.

UKAT is one of the UK’s leading providers of addiction treatment services. We are here to assist you or a loved one struggling with prescription medications. Please contact us so we can provide you with an individualised assessment followed by a list of treatment recommendations. You can get well with the right treatment and ongoing support.

I booked my treatment through UKAT not knowing if I could change my life or how it would turn out, but 5 months later, my life has done a total 180 degree turn, thanks UKAT.

Recovery Lighthouse

December 16, 2015

After spending 3 months in Recovery Lighthouse I had to leave a review, the staff there are so caring and really help me make sense of my addiction and find a new way to live

Sober life ahead

September 28, 2015

Sanctuary Lodge saved my life, after an eternity of drinking I just couldn’t stop, now life is looking up, and I have a new vision of a sober life ahead.

Cope with feelings

September 28, 2015

I initially booked for 10 day detox but I quickly realised I needed longer in treatment and to learn the root causes of addiction. The staff at BlueSkies really helped me find out what was wrong and how to cope with my feelings

New lease of life

September 28, 2015

After years of trying AA meetings and other fellowships, I found recovery in Sanctuary Lodge, now 6 months on I have a new lease of life and feeling positive about the future

Free Callback Service

We offer a free callback service 24/7. Enter your number below and one of our addiction counsellors will call you back shortly.